The heels are on for teen runner

Diane Wilson, of Thorne, puts on her high heels as she prepares to run a half marathon as she is offering her services to any charity groups that wants her. Picture: Andrew Roe

Becky Inman

Published:11:00Thursday 05 April 2012

A TEENAGER is offering up her fundraising services - and to show her dedication to good causes, will don stilletos to complete a half marathon.

Diane Wilson, 18, is vowing to help any good cause, whether by leaping from a plane for a sponsored skydive, running a marathon, collecting items for charity sales or even volunteering her free time to help out in a charity shop.

And to show she means business Diane has already signed up to run a half marathon for the Teenage Cancer Trust, vowing to run the last mile in high heels.

Diane, of Queen Street, Thorne, said: “You are always hearing that teenagers are bad, but I want to show that we are out there doing good stuff.

“I have already raised thousands of pounds for charity over the last few years, so I reckon that is a good start.

“I don’t have a limit of anything that is too big or too small to do.

“If anyone wants me to help them out I’ll do it.”

The half marathon is the furthest Diane will have ever run by five miles and fundraisers at the charity are trying to convince her to do the route in a large, heavy, fancy dress outfit such as Peppa Pig to get even more sponsorship.

The money raised from the half marathon will go to refurbishing family areas at hospitals across Yorkshire where young people are treated for cancer.

Diane is a full-time carer for her mum, also called Diane, 47, who suffers from an extremely rare form of cancer called trophoblastic cancer, which can move around different organs.

Three-years-ago she was given just two hours to live, but has managed to battle on despite the condition.

The teenager added: “I just want to make Doncaster proud.

“I haven’t got a target for what I want to raise, just whatever I can.”

Diane is being supported on her charity campaign by 11-year-old brother Thomas, who attends Trinity Academy in Thorne, although the siblings have not yet broken the news of her fundraising masterplan to their mum.

He was last year nominated for the Sheffield Champion Child Carer award for his efforts helping his mum - an award won by his big sister in 2010.

If you would like Diane to help your charity out or sponsor one of her events, call her on 07584 285 437.